by Lindsey Ralls
| In Esther, we ask ourselves what situation have we been created for “such a time as this“. In Genesis we remind ourselves that, like Joseph, what man intended for evil, God intends for good. In Samuel, we can relate to the fact that regardless of what the world thinks about us, God looks at the heart and like David, we are the underdog who will surprise those around us the slay the giants. Now don’t get me wrong, all of these takeaways are true. God can use us (and does!) like he used Esther, Joseph and David. Yet, I found myself thinking this week about what it says about me (and the human condition), that my natural inclination is to relate to the hero of the story. This week, the seventh grade is finishing The Hobbit and with this idea rolling around in the back of my mind, I found myself questioning how I’ve taught this book in the past. We discuss in detail about how we can display courage like Bilbo, and wisdom like Gandalf, but I’ve never asked my class how they see themselves in Smaug. The incredible truth of the gospel is only grasped once we realize our own sin. As we read these stories, they should be reminding us of our need for a savior. In Smaug, we see intense greed and a desire to be praised. Do we not struggle with these same desires? When we read The Hiding Place should we only focus on how we can become more like Corrie, or do we take a moment and discuss how we are also like the Nazi guards? There is moderation and temperance in recognizing the hope that comes from discussions about Bilbo, Joseph and Corrie while still examining the sinful connection we have with Smaug and the Ravensbruck prison guard. In truth, we can only fully celebrate the virtues found in Corrie when we first recognize that we were created with the same sinfulness found in that prison guard. The same Creator created them both, and through God’s incredible grace, Corrie was able to reflect Christ’s love through her humble actions. As you read stories like these (both in class and outside of class), who are you relating to? |
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Practical Paideia 
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